How to Recycling Items Containing Mercury

Many household products contain mercury, from CFLs to button batteries to some thermometers. While mercury isn’t recyclable, many of these products are. You will likely have to utilize your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility or events to properly dispose of and recycle items containing mercury.

Some states do have laws against throwing mercury-containing products in the trash, so be sure to check your local laws before disposing of these products. Many cities and towns host household hazardous waste collection events for the recycling of these items.

Mercury exists in three chemical forms, the most common of which is methylmercury, which people are exposed to by consuming fish. Methylmercury can impair neurological development in fetuses, infants and children. Other forms of mercury can cause damage to the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and nervous system.. A mercury spill can release toxic vapor into the air, which is a health hazard.

Mercury is used in many different products because of its useful properties, which include the ability to conduct electricity, expand in response to pressure and temperature and form alloys with other metals. Some manufacturers have reduced their use of mercury, but the EPA still encourages consumers to select products without mercury when possible.

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